The Madness Continues in Harrington, DE at the 19th Annual Street Rod Jamboree
First, I must explain. Due to the out-right complete madness of this show, I ran out of film and batteries twice during the 19th Annual Street Rod Jamboree, which was held at the state fairgounds in Harrington, DE. There were just too many great rides everywhere. There was certainly not enough time. There I was, stuck in the middle of a street rod paradise, an oasis overflowing with thousands of beautiful classics, rods, customs, muscle cars, pickups and tens of thousands of automobile enthusiasts, who had soared into this collector car dream event. And there I was, in the middle of it all. . . with dead batteries and no film left. I had already taken nearly 300 pictures at this point, but it still wasn’t enough, at least not enough to capture everything.
This show is complete madness. And for anyone who loves this hobby as much as we do, you are missing out on the best show on the planet.
I remember the madness beginning somewhere back on Route 404 at a stoplight. There I was, trapped at a red light when suddenly I was confronted by some Round-Up readers who began beating on my van demanding a free magazine. The van shook and rocked as the eager Round-Up fans outside were growing more impatient by the minute, until finally, I broke down and handed them out an entire bundle for them to gnaw on.
Of course, the madness is what we all love about this hobby--the great memories that we walk away with.
When I finally realized how great of a time I was having, I was cruising along in “The Torch” with Chris Johnson from Pocomoke, MD. Johnson and “The Torch”are legendary is this part of the world because every Saturday night of the show, The Torch shoots out flames that go nearly 100 feet in the air!
The madness continued when I hopped in Bruce Leppo’s 1973 Ford Ranchero, which is 23 and a half feet long (that’s with the tailgate down). Dubbed “The Stretch,” Bruce and I made some wide right turns because in old Uncle Tex, (another nickname for this vehicle) every ride is a l-o-n-g ride!
Shortly after that, I joined the “Too Much Fun Club” with Pat McCann of J.C. Taylor Insurance, who took me for a ride in a beautiful antique Ford. We even took it to the race track for a lap or two before he taught me how to drive the 1919 Ford Model T, and I graduated, earning my Model T license. Thanks again Pat for a wonderful time!
Trying to cover the Street Rod Jamboree in any normal, conventional or journalistic methodology is virtually impossible. There’s too many people and too many cars and it’s too hot and there’s not enough beer. So, you pretty much just have to go with the flow and be a part of the show to really take in what this great event in this great hobby is all about.
It is the ultimate ride of the summer, and it all happens during the last weekend of June every year. For only $40, you and your family gets this: Your vehicle registered to earn prizes, admission for the entire weekend, t-shirts, invitation to the Friday Night Kick-Off Party, and a free lunch on Saturday. Let me ask you this--where else can you spend $40 in a weekend for a family outing?
Of course, there are many area attractions as well, which include the beach, the casino next door which features an enormous buffet meant to feed an entire fleet of Vikings, and many other area restaurants and seafood joints. The show is absolutely awesome and is one of our highlights of the summer that we look forward to each and every year.
Even with rain and thunderstorms in the forecast, the weekend’s weather was privy to sunshine. Even the gasoline price surges we have all experienced never kept back these weekend warriors, not for one minute.
All weekend long, cars participated in the teeter-totter event, which is a challenge of your motor skills in action. If you’ve never tried it, add it to your list of things to do.
On Saturday an auction took place as many vehicles were sold to new owners who would proudly drive them home.
Saturday was a very eventful day, because it is the heart of the weekend. It is what we all wait anxiously for. The burn-outs and the flamethrowers mark the highlight of the night. And for hours following the show, people are wondering around into the wee hours of the morning because they are built up on such energy and excitement from the occasion.
As Sunday finally approached us, we knew the Rod & Custom Jamboree was nearing it’s end. Great memories made and hopes for new ones lay right around the corner for next year.
Speaking of next year, next summer will mark the show’s 20th Anniversary, and we all know that Don Beauchamp and Dave Roop have something special in mind for all of us. We look forward to yet another great time and safe, family-filled Jamboree. Great job again fellows, see ya’ next year!
The SDSRA would like to thank all of their sponsors and members of the club, without your help, people’s dreams could not come true. Auto Round-Up would also like to thank the SDSRA for all of their help and efforts to make this happen.
On Saturday, I ran into Greg Smith of Millsboro, DE. Smith restored two of the vehicles that were at this event: a 1969 Chevelle Malibu and a pickup titled “The Kountry Krawler.” Smith performs excellent work
I also ran into Carol DeBolt from C & C Auto Sales on Saturday before the burnouts. She brought a 1969 Camaro sported by a 454 BB. It was packed with enough power to send all of the local police in a frenzy. To see more of C & C Auto Sales cars, look for their ad in this issue!
One thing about this show is that everyone has fun. And, that is exactly what the hobby is all about.
You couldn’t ask for a better group of friends like the Southern Delaware Street Rod Association (SDSRA). Every year, this club out does themselves and delivers a better show. Lead by President Dave Roop and VP Don Beauchamp, the SDSRA delivers the best value for your money at any show.
We all had a great Jamboree and look forward to seeing everyone next year. Start getting those clams ready!
AWARDS
The following is a list of winners from the 19th Annual Rod & Custom Jamboree:
TOP 30: Wade Mahaffey, 1927 Ford Roadster; Dewey & Regina Whittaker, 1935 Ford T-Bird; Sterling Payne, Jr., 1967 Chevy Camaro; Robert Hensley, 1961 Ford Starliner; Tom Jefferson, 1956 Chevy Bel Air; Justin Morris, 1972 Chevy Nova; James Thompson, 1972 Chevy Malibu; Dave & Marcia Titus, 1953 Ford; Don Olkowski, 1965 Ford Cobra; Mike Passwaters, 1965 Pontiac GTO; Bruce & Nicki Conover, 1956 Ford English; Kevin Craig, 1968 Chevelle; Charlie & Kay Stubbs, 1967 Ford Fairlane; Wayne Noseworthy, 1968 Volkswagen Beetle; Joe Frattaroli, 1966 Pontiac GTO; David George, 1934 Plymouth; Ronnie Sharp, 1970 Chevy; Helena Ellingsworth, 1931 Ford; Hank & Mary Hankinson, 1930 Chevy; Virgil Truitt, 1932 Ford Roadster; Joseph & Roberta Paschall, 1937 Ford; Yvonne & Randy Davis, 1933 Willys; Steve Rogers, 1969 Ford Mustang; Wayne Holloway, 1967 Plymouth Belvedere; Jim & Cindy Sheets, 1956 Ford Pickup; Dennis Dugan, 1922 Ford T-Bucket; Ray Maronpot, 1955 Chevy Pickup; Scott Conoway, 1967 Chevy Camaro; Bill Hern, 1963 Corvette; and Phil Kelly, 1940 Ford.
BEST AWARDS: Best Paint: Arnold Warner, 1972 Camaro; Best Pro Street: Freda & Ed Thomas, 1963 Chevy Corvette; Best Pickup: Dick Yerger, 1966 Ford Econoline; Best Sedan Delivery: Richard & Phyllis Foulk, 1929 Ford; Best Panel Truck: Dominc Maiese, 1936 Ford; NSRA Safety Inspector Pick: Judy & Andy Andrews, 1934 Chevy Sedan; Best Rat Rod: Dale Cornelius, 1946 Chevy Pickup; and Best of Show: Ed & Freda Thomas, 1937 Ford Pickup.
If you would like to enter your car for the 20th Annual Street Rod Jamboree held in Harrington, DE for 2009, please contact Karen Brittingham at 302-422-3683.
We all can’t wait to see what Dave and Don have up their sleeves for the big 20th Anniversary, but we all know it’s going to be something BIG!
If you would like more information on the Rod & Custom Jamboree, or need more information on how to join the SDSRA, visit http://www.sdsra.net or call Don at 302-349-4221. If you would like extra copies of this issue, call 304-884-7799, Ext. 1#. If you would like more information on upcoming car shows, visit our website www.Auto-Roundup.com
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